The Baptism of the Gentiles marks a significant development in the early Christian Church, reflecting the expansion of the Gospel beyond the Jewish community to include all nations. This event is pivotal in understanding the universality of the Christian message and the fulfillment of the Great Commission.

Biblical Foundation

The inclusion of Gentiles in the Christian faith is rooted in the Great Commission given by Jesus Christ to His disciples. In Matthew 28:19 , Jesus commands, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." This directive underscores the mission to reach all ethnic groups, transcending the boundaries of Judaism.

The Case of Cornelius

The account of Cornelius, a Roman centurion, is a seminal moment in the baptism of Gentiles. Recorded in Acts 10, Cornelius is described as a devout man who feared God, gave alms generously, and prayed continually. An angel of God instructs him to send for Simon Peter. Meanwhile, Peter receives a vision from God, teaching him not to call any person impure or unclean (Acts 10:15).

When Peter arrives at Cornelius's house, he preaches the Gospel, and the Holy Spirit falls upon all who hear the message. Acts 10:44-48 narrates, "While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard his message. All the circumcised believers who had accompanied Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and exalting God. Then Peter said, 'Can anyone withhold the water to baptize these people? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have!' So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ."

The Jerusalem Council

The baptism of Gentiles raised questions and concerns among Jewish believers, leading to the Jerusalem Council, as described in Acts 15. The council addressed whether Gentile converts needed to adhere to Jewish law, particularly circumcision. Peter, Paul, and Barnabas testified to the work of God among the Gentiles, emphasizing that salvation is through the grace of the Lord Jesus (Acts 15:11). The council concluded that Gentiles should not be burdened with the yoke of the law, affirming their inclusion in the faith through baptism and faith in Christ.

Theological Implications

The baptism of Gentiles signifies the breaking down of the dividing wall between Jews and Gentiles, as articulated by Paul in Ephesians 2:14-16 : "For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing in His flesh the law of commandments and decrees. He did this to create in Himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, and reconciling both of them to God in one body through the cross, by which He extinguished their hostility."

This event underscores the inclusivity of the Gospel and the unity of believers in Christ, regardless of ethnic or cultural background. It affirms that baptism is a sign of the new covenant, open to all who profess faith in Jesus Christ, symbolizing the washing away of sins and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Conclusion

The baptism of the Gentiles is a testament to the expansive reach of God's redemptive plan, fulfilling the promise to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through his seed (Genesis 22:18). It highlights the transformative power of the Gospel and the establishment of a diverse yet unified body of believers, the Church.